HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-05 Parks and Rec's Goat Herd Project -- press release
Roxcie L. Waltjen
Harry Kim
Director
Mayor
Maurice C. Messina
Deputy Director
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 961-8311 Fax (808) 961-8411
Email: parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/
NEWS RELEASE
July 5, 2019
Goat Herd Pilot Project at Hilo Park
The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation announces that on July 16,
2019, a pilot project will begin in an area adjacent to the Hilo Soccer Fields where a
heard of goats from 3C Goat Grazing will be clearing a large brush area.
“Since goats are essentially natural weed whackers, putting them to work in our parks is
hearty for the goats and good for the environment,” said Roxcie Waltjen, Director of
Parks and Recreation. The department already works with groups known as “Friends of
the Park” at various facilities throughout the island in an effort to reduce the use of
pesticides, and this new project will increase the department’s arsenal of natural park
maintenance.
“If this pilot project is successful, we will look to utilize this form of weed control at other
park facilities throughout the island,” Waltjen said.
The goats will be in a fenced area during the pilot project and a herder will be with the
goats throughout the duration of the project. The department asks the public to not
approach the fencing while the goats graze in the area.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.